Role of Parole Officers - Essay Example

Parole Officers. Parole Officers. The job functions of a parole officer are to accept responsibility for the legal custody of offenders placed on parole or probation. The parole officer then monitors the offender’s activities, approves the social an economic environment in which the parolee is to reside, interviews offenders, their families, employers and law enforcement agencies to identify problems, informs offenders of parole conditions and rules and the rehabilitation options avaibalbel to them, prepares pre-sentencing reports, social histories and personality evaluations, maintains records, and evaluates offenders to determine the best course of treatment for each case.

(Michigan Civil Services Commission, n.d.). The positive aspect of being a parole officer is the sense of achievement of having made a positive contribution towards the rehabilitation of an offender and towards the protection of society. The salary is attractive and increases commensurate with experience and educational qualifications. Free training is gained and a pension after 20 years. The disadvantages of the job are the risk of career burn-out and developing a distorted view of society. It must also be acknowledged that home visits to offenders do involve a degree of risk.

The irregular work hours are another con of this position. The required qualifications are a working knowledge of psychology, sociology and criminology, department laws and parole rules and regulations, interviewing techniques, effective communication and public relations skills, high stress tolerance, and the ability to conduct investigations, evaluate findings, and prepare reports. (Michigan Civil Services Commission, n.d.). I am not interested in this career as I am not confident that I have the ability to tolerate continuous exposure to offenders.

This requires a level-headedness and a certain toughness which I do not possess. My ability to empathize with people is one of my strengths. I am not certain that this empathy will serve me in good stead as a parole office. This role requires the ability to provide practical guidance and not sympathy. Refererences.Michigan Civil Services Commission. Job Specification: Parole/Probation Officer. (n.d.).Retrieved fromhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/ParoleProbationOfficer_12453_7.pdf